Not all wildlife encounters are created equal. When beachgoers on Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula spotted a ribbon seal this August, marine scientists rushed to the scene—knowing just how special the sighting was.
Meet the Ocean’s Best-Dressed Hermit
Ribbon seals aren’t the rarest in the world—there are about 400,000, mostly in the icy waters of the North Pacific. But seeing one on an American beach is almost unheard of.
These reclusive seals usually stay far north, haunting the cold seas near Alaska and Russia. Their bold black-and-white coats—marked with four unmistakable stripes—are rarely wasted on land-based admirers.
Each ribbon seal’s pattern is unique: one stripe circles the lower back, another wraps the rear flipper, and two more encircle the front flippers. Some scientists believe these bands help seals recognize mates, but the animals’ private lives are still largely a mystery.
A Quick Disappearing Act
This Long Beach Peninsula visitor didn’t linger. After giving scientists—and a lucky few onlookers—a good look, it slipped back into the waves, vanishing as suddenly as it had appeared.
The last local sighting was more than a decade ago, making this encounter one for the record books.
If You Spot a Seal—Look, Don’t Touch
Too often, well-meaning people mistake beached seals for animals in distress. In most cases, the best help is no help at all: keep your distance, take photos, and let experts like NOAA decide if intervention is needed. If you truly think an animal is in trouble, call the NOAA hotline at 800-853-1964.
The Takeaway
Encounters like this prove just how much wild beauty is left to discover—even close to home. For now, the world’s best-dressed seal remains a rare visitor, and a reminder that the ocean keeps its best secrets close.
